Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Journal Through the Psalms—One Verse at a Time


View the 2021 Psalms Reading Plans


View all the Reading the Psalms Plans.


The book of Psalms is a rich tapestry of praise, prayer, lament, wisdom, and worship. Whether you are feeling joyful, broken, overwhelmed, or hopeful—there is a Psalm that speaks directly to the condition of your heart. This six-month reading plan offers a simple way to anchor yourself daily in the Psalms, meditating on one verse each day. But beyond just reading, these journaling prompts will help you slow down and reflect, inviting you to respond to God's Word personally, prayerfully, and purposefully.

Use these prompts as a companion on your walk through the Psalms. Each set will guide you in engaging your faith more deeply—through questions, creative reflections, and spiritual exploration that meets you right where you are.


Month One: Journaling Prompts for Psalms 1–30

Memory Verse: Psalm 27:14

Psalm 1:1 — What does it look like for you to “not walk in step with the wicked”? Describe how you are guarding your walk.

Psalm 4:8 — In what situations are you currently seeking God’s peace? How has He helped you rest lately?

Psalm 5:3 — What would it look like to start each day bringing your requests before the Lord and waiting expectantly?

Psalm 8:1 — How does creation reflect the majesty of God to you personally?

Psalm 13:5 — When you feel forgotten by God, how do you remind yourself to trust His unfailing love?

Psalm 16:8 — What helps you keep the Lord always before you? Create a list or draw an image that reminds you of His presence.

Psalm 18:2 — Which of the names for God in this verse do you need most today—rock, fortress, deliverer, or shield? Why?

Psalm 20:7 — What are the “chariots and horses” you are tempted to trust instead of the name of the Lord?

Psalm 25:4 — Ask God to show you His ways today. What areas of your life need clearer direction?

Psalm 30:5 — Reflect on a time when God's favor brought joy after a season of weeping.


Month Two: Journaling Prompts for Psalms 31–60

Memory Verse: Psalm 46:10

Psalm 32:7 — What does it mean for God to be your hiding place? Where do you run when you feel overwhelmed?

Psalm 34:8 — How have you “tasted and seen” the goodness of the Lord lately?

Psalm 37:4 — What desires are in your heart right now? How do they align with God’s will?

Psalm 40:1 — Write about a time when you waited patiently for the Lord and He came through.

Psalm 42:1 — How would you describe your spiritual thirst today? What are you longing for from God?

Psalm 46:1 — When has God been your refuge and strength in trouble? Reflect on how He sustained you.

Psalm 51:10 — What areas of your heart need cleansing and renewal today? Pray and journal a personal confession.

Psalm 55:22 — What burdens are you carrying? Write them out and release them to God.

Psalm 57:1 — What does it mean to “take refuge in the shadow of His wings”? How can you do that now?

Psalm 60:11 — Where are you needing God’s help today? Name a battle you cannot win without Him.


Month Three: Journaling Prompts for Psalms 61–90

Memory Verse: Psalm 86:5

Psalm 62:1 — How does silence before God strengthen your soul? Try sitting in stillness and journaling your thoughts.

Psalm 63:1 — Write a letter to God expressing your hunger and thirst for more of Him.

Psalm 66:1 — What would it look like to make a “joyful noise” in your current circumstances?

Psalm 68:19 — List the daily burdens God has helped you carry recently.

Psalm 71:5 — Reflect on how God has been your hope “since youth.” What do you want to pass on to the next generation?

Psalm 73:25 — Who or what do you desire more than God? What would it look like to center your heart on Him?

Psalm 75:1 — What personal testimony can you share that shows God’s nearness?

Psalm 80:3 — Ask God to “restore” you. What part of your faith needs refreshing?

Psalm 84:10 — What do you value more than God’s presence? Ask Him to realign your priorities.

Psalm 90:12 — How does numbering your days help you live with more wisdom?


Month Four: Journaling Prompts for Psalms 91–120

Memory Verse: Psalm 119:11

Psalm 91:1 — Where are you dwelling spiritually? How does staying close to God change your outlook?

Psalm 94:22 — When fear rises, how does God’s protection calm your heart?

Psalm 98:1 — What new thing has God done for you recently that deserves a new song of praise?

Psalm 103:1 — What does it look like for your “whole being” to bless the Lord today?

Psalm 106:1 — How has God’s love endured in your life, even when things changed around you?

Psalm 111:1 — Reflect on the last time you gave thanks publicly. How can you encourage others by sharing what God has done?

Psalm 115:1 — What are you tempted to take credit for? How can you redirect the glory back to God?

Psalm 118:24 — What are you rejoicing in today—even if it is small?

Psalm 119:105 — How is God’s Word guiding your next steps?

Psalm 120:1 — What do you need to cry out to God for today?


Month Five: Journaling Prompts for Psalms 121–150

Memory Verse: Psalm 138:8

Psalm 121:2 — Where does your help truly come from? List three things you are relying on and ask God to help you realign.

Psalm 126:3 — What great things has the Lord done for you that you have not celebrated yet?

Psalm 133:1 — Where have you experienced unity and peace with others? How can you protect it?

Psalm 139:14 — How does God’s intentional creation of you shape your self-worth?

Psalm 142:1 — What is something you need to say out loud to God that you have been holding back?

Psalm 145:1–2 — What praise do you want to declare today? Make it personal.

Psalm 146:6 — How does knowing God is the Creator change how you view your daily problems?

Psalm 147:3 — What broken part of your heart needs healing today?

Psalm 148:1 — What is your favorite way to worship? How can you do that today?

Psalm 150:6 — Who or what inspires you to praise? How can you make your praise louder than your problems?


Month Six: Journaling Prompts from Mixed Psalms

Memory Verse: Psalm 145:16

Psalm 23:1 — What does it mean to you that “The Lord is my shepherd”? In what ways do you feel cared for?

Psalm 27:1 — What fears have been dimmed by the light of the Lord?

Psalm 51:10 — Ask God for a clean heart. Then journal what you want Him to renew within you.

Psalm 57:7 — How can you keep your heart steadfast in the midst of instability?

Psalm 63:8 — What does it look like to “cling” to God when life feels uncertain?

Psalm 86:5 — Reflect on God’s forgiveness. How can you extend the same to someone else?

Psalm 91:4 — Draw or describe the imagery of God covering you with His feathers.

Psalm 100:4 — What are you thankful for today as you “enter His gates”?

Psalm 119:105 — How has God’s Word illuminated a recent decision in your life?

Psalm 145:9 — How have you experienced the Lord’s goodness in ways you did not expect?